When it comes to filled bedding, no material on Earth is warmer, softer, more breathable, or longer-lasting than natural down and feathers.

While these natural fill materials are superior to synthetic alternatives, there are large amounts of misinformation and misunderstanding around these products. Here are some of the most common myths of down and feather bedding:

Are down and feathers the same thing?

These two fill materials are very different. Down is the light fluffy coating clustered beneath the feathers of waterfowl. It is a three-dimensional cluster made up of fluffy filaments and contains no quill. Feathers are from the plumage of waterfowl and contain quills. They are two dimensional and provide some insulation and better support.

Does a down or feather comforter sleep hot?

No. While it’s true that down and feathers are great insulators, they also are extremely breathable. This means that while a down comforter will keep you warmer than a synthetic fill, it will also allow for greater air flow and temperature regulation throughout the night.

Do down products have to be dry cleaned?

“Dry Clean Only” product can be expensive to maintain and can result in a more brittle and less durable product. All of Standard Textile’s down and feather products are machine washable.

Is down fill clean?

Down and feathers can be laboratory tested to determine cleanliness using a method called turbidity. Very clean samples register at 500 mm or higher. All of our down and feather filled products meet or exceed this standard.

Are down products sustainable?

Down and feathers are a waste product of the food industry and would otherwise end up in our world’s landfills. By cleaning and sanitizing down and feathers to be used in bedding, these products help to reduce the amount of agricultural waste and contribute to the overall sustainability of our world. Since down and feather products derive from nature, they leave a lower carbon footprint than that of synthetic materials, which are often made from non-renewable resources like oil.

Do down products respect animal welfare?

All of our down and feather products are Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified. The RDS independently certifies down and feathers against animal welfare requirements and tracks it from farm to final product. We only source from farms raising poultry in a natural outdoor environment.

Don’t down products leak through the fabric?

While this can be a problem for some products, our fabrics have a special extra-tight weave and finishing that ensures down and feathers won’t leak out. In addition, we only use double needle corded stitching, which provides extra protection.

Is goose better than duck down and feather?

At equal fill power and cleanliness, there is no difference in quality between goose and duck. Both types of down insulate equally well and share essentially the same structure that makes down such an astonishingly good insulator. Both types maintain their loft and warmth for many years, if not decades, when properly cared for.

Can’t down cause allergic reactions?

No. The conventional wisdom says that the down/feather fill inside your pillows cause and/or accelerate asthma and allergies. This is simply not true. Our down and feathers, which use FreshLoft Clean™ processes, warranty every product to be allergy free. In addition, our fabrics are tightly woven to prevent dust, dirt and allergens from entering inside our pillows. A number of scientific studies have proven, beyond doubt, that the average synthetic pillow harbors far more dust mites and protein allergens from dust mites, and other allergens than a properly cleaned down/feather pillow.

For Sustainable Comfort, Choose Down

Despite widespread misconceptions, down and feathers offer unparalleled comfort, breathability, and sustainability when sourced responsibly. From debunking the myth of sleeping hot to dispelling concerns about cleanliness and animal welfare, it’s clear that down and feather products are not only luxurious but also environmentally friendly options.

By choosing responsibly sourced down and feather bedding, consumers can enjoy the warmth and comfort of nature’s finest materials while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Want to learn more? Download our brochure to see the details of our down/feather products.

Ready for a quote? Contact us today to speak with a product expert.

Related Content

Shine for Summer: Essential Products to Refresh your Guest Rooms

Still dreaming about upgrading your guest room? The dream’s not over, especially with bedding essentials from Standard Textile. Two new tops covers, along with our Circa Bed Wrap, Encircle Box Spring Cover, and stocked shower curtains make refreshing your guest rooms easy (and affordable!).

Pillow Terminology Decoded

Have you ever searched for the perfect hotel pillow and stumbled upon terms you didn’t understand? You may not be alone. Selecting a comfortable hotel pillow is important business. Your job is to help guests experience a good night’s sleep. A pillow is quintessential to a comfortable sleep experience. We want to help you choose…

Protect Patients with DermaTherapy^®

The Industry’s first and only FDA cleared bedding proven to prevent pressure injuries.